SUSPECT IN GASLAMP QUARTER STABBING DEATH PLEADS NOT GUILTY IN COURT

A man suspected of stabbing to death another man in the Gaslamp Quarter last week pleaded not guilty Wednesday to murder.

Justin St. John, 34, was arraigned in San Diego Superior Court in connection with the June 13 slaying of a 52-year-old man. The victim’s name has not been released pending notification of his family.

Officers responded to reports of the stabbing on Market Street near Sixth Avenue in front of a CVS store about 5 p.m.

They found the victim with two stab wounds to the abdomen, San Diego police said. He died at a hospital.

On Monday, police arrested St. John on an unrelated drug charge, and he was charged with murder the next day, said homicide Lt. Mike Hastings.

Authorities have not revealed a motive.

St. John also faces a knife allegation in the slaying, as well as a charge of methamphetamine possession. He could be sentenced up to 16 years to life in prison if convicted of all charges, according to the District Attorney’s Office.

Kristina Davis • U-T

Man shot after answering his front door

San Diego

A 36-year-old man was shot when he answered his front door in the Redwood Village neighborhood Tuesday night, San Diego police said.

The shooting was reported about 10 p.m. on Billman Street near College Avenue.

Officers found the victim with a chest wound, police Officer David Stafford said. He was taken to a hospital and is expected to survive, Stafford said.

The victim told officers that a man and woman in their mid-20s came to his door, and the man pulled out a revolver and fired one round at him.

Police said the shooting is not believed to be gang-related.

Susan Shroder • U-T

Four go to hospitals after fight on reservation

east county

Sheriff’s deputies are investigating a melee involving baseball bats and knives on the Viejas Indian Reservation Wednesday morning.

The report of a fight involving five to 10 people came in about 9:30 a.m. on a private road off Viejas Grade Road, sheriff’s officials said.

Four people were taken by ambulance to hospitals, according to Heartland fire.